August 25, 2006

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

We put up a hummingbird feeder in our backyard.  It’s visible from inside so it’s very entertaining.  I don’t know much about hummingbirds, but from their behavior they seem to be very territorial.  I guess instinctively they want to make certain there’s enough food for them and allowing another hummingbird access is problematic.  What they don’t understand, can’t really, is that there’s never going to be an issue with the food supply.  When it’s low, we will refill it.  They could, if they understood how benevolent we are, relax and everyone could be fed.

Human beings have a tendency also to be territorial.  I suppose the reasons are as different as are the individuals involved, but mostly it’s, in my judgment, either insecurity or a desire to control things, which come to think of it is also a mark of someone who is insecure.  We lack confidence.  We don’t trust that things will resolve themselves in such a way that we are ultimately blessed.  So we think that if we can somehow maintain control, be in charge, everything will work itself out the way we want.  There’re two problems with that sort of thinking.  First, how can we be sure that the way we want things to work out is best or two, ultimately most of the things we try to control, we can’t, and again, I think it’s that fear that drives us to control things and most of all people.  It’s a sad cycle and in my experience usually ends badly.

God is the only one who ultimately is in control.  If we believe that then the next logical question is, what sort of God are we talking about?  I think the witness not only of the Old and New Testaments, but the witness of the Christian community down through the ages is that this God can be trusted.  There is no reason for insecure or fear.  We don’t need to fret about our lack of controlling events or people, because the One who is in control, is always seeking to bless us and others.  Sometimes, certainly, it takes us a while to see the blessing, but always that is God’s intent.

Hear the witness of the prophet Isaiah:

 ^“1 But now, this is what the LORD says--
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”   (Isaiah 43: 1 – 2)

So let’s all just relax and starting trusting! 

See you on Sunday,

David Jones